Cal Poly Universities won the 2026 Rose Parade’s top honor: the Sweepstakes Trophy, awarded to the most beautiful entry that encompasses float design, floral presentation and entertainment. “Jungle Jumpstart” is the 77th the collaboration between the student Rose Float teams at Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. 

CPP team Deco Chair Bailey Beene (‘26, landscape architecture) and her SLO counterpart Hailey Kost (‘26, landscape architecture) react react to their team’s historic win and describe the float innovations that won over judges.

This story was originally broadcast by KTLA 5 on January 2, 2026.